By Lukman Olabiyi
Lagos State Government, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, is collaborating with the Nigeria Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) to review and update the school curriculum to align with emerging global trends.
This initiative was the focus of the three-day “2024 Network of Education Service Centre (NESC) Convocation’ held at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium in Alausa, Ikeja.
Participants from Borno, Yobe, Plateau, Jigawa, Ondo, Ekiti and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, attended the event. Themed “Repositioning Education Innovation and Service Centres to Address Trends and Curriculum Reform for Economic Growth in Nigeria,” the conference highlighted the urgent need for curriculum reform.
Speaking at the event, Lagos State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Jamiu Ali-Balogun, emphasized the necessity of aligning the education system with global standards.
Represented by the permanent secretary of the ministry, Mr. Abayomi Abolaji, Ali-Balogun noted the importance of leveraging technology to bridge the digital divide, stressing that innovation and entrepreneurship are critical for societal solutions.
“Our nation faces challenges that require self-help and adaptation to meet the demands of the 21st-century economy. The service centre is essential in addressing these pressing issues,” he stated.
Ali-Balogun also highlighted the THEMES+ agenda, which integrates education and technology in Lagos State, underscoring the importance of teacher training and development.
Prof. Ismail Jinadu, executive secretary of NERDC, articulated the conference’s goal to develop the education sector in Nigeria. He explained that NESC serves as a forum for sharing ideas on educational material development and curriculum reform to foster economic growth.
Dr. Hakeem Shittu of the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB) reiterated the conference’s objective to raise children who will become job creators rather than job seekers.
Similarly, Dr. Neehmot, Director of the Education Research Centre (FCT) stressed the need for a curriculum update that withstands the test of time.
Overall, the convocation called for a collaborative effort to reposition the education sector and ensure it meets contemporary and future needs.